Fantasy Rankings: NFC South Quarterbacks in 2009

The NFC South features the top fantasy QB on the board this season, a future star, and then two other QBs that might make your fantasy lineup as a one-time fill in.

1. Drew Brees

2008 was an unbelievable fantasy season for Drew Brees. He was 15 yards shy of Dan Marino's all-time single season passing record (5,084) and saw 34 of his passes end up in the end zone.

This year, with Greg Williams running the D, the Saints should be an improved unit and thus more competitive. Expect a decrease in numbers but for Brees to still hit 4,000 yards and 30 TDs.

2. Matt Ryan

Logic assumes that Ryan will have a big season in 2009. As a superb fantasy rookie in 2008, he threw for over 3,400 yards and tossed 16 TDs.

But this season, his out-of-conference schedule consists of the AFC and NFC East, two divisions that know how to play stellar defense. While Ryan should improve with a year under his belt, look for the results to be similar: 3,000 passing yards and 18-20 TDs.

Jake Delhomme

The Panthers' impressive season ended on a dreadful performance by Delhomme in the playoffs. The veteran QB tossed five INTs in an unexpected loss to the Cards. Overall, he finished with 3,288 yards and 15 TDs.

The problem for Delhomme from a fantasy perspective is the Panthers are defensive minded and a running team first. So opportunities for yards and TDs are fewer. Expect a similar turnout in 2009 with 3,000 passing yards and between 14-17 TDs.

Luke McCown

It appears that McCown will be the starter in Tampa, as it's hard to conceive that job going to Leftwich. But one thing is certain: It's only a matter of time before the Bucs get rookie first round pick Josh Freeman in there, most likely towards the end of the season when they are out of the race.

But as it stands now, don't expect much fantasy wise from the Buccaneers' QBs. While they have some firepower at the receiver position, this will be a run-oriented team as rookie head coach Raheem Morris looks to keep the score close late into games.

Draft Tip

Brees will be the top QB drafted this year because there's still concern over Tom Brady's knee. Ryan will last until the fifth round and would provide good value after round six or seven. Delhomme will be a late round pick, and used as a one-time fill in, or if your starter is injured. Stay away at all costs from any QB this season in Tampa.